83% Regret Medical Hair Removal: What's the No. 1 Reason, Surpassing 'Higher-than-Expected Costs' and 'Effects Below Expectations'?
A survey by Custom Life Medical revealed that 83% of people regret medical hair removal. The top reason for regret was 'difficulty booking appointments' (37%), surpassing concerns about higher costs and unsatisfactory results. Many chose clinics based solely on price or location, indicating a lack of prior research as a key factor in their dissatisfaction.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 2, 2026 at 06:58
- 🔍 Collected: May 1, 2026 at 22:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 2, 2026 at 02:27 (3h 55m after Collected)
Demand for medical hair removal is increasing year by year, touted as being able to achieve 'permanent hair removal' and 'cost-effective in the long run.' However, many people who have actually undergone treatment express dissatisfaction and regret that they did not anticipate before signing up.
Custom Life Medical, through its operating company Custom Life Inc.'s official 'homenote' Instagram account (with approximately 180,000 followers), conducted a survey targeting followers, combined with an internet survey, to investigate 'Realities of Regret and Failure in Medical Hair Removal.'
The results showed that 83% of respondents had some form of regret. While 'lack of knowledge and research' was cited as the number one cause of regret (self-reported), it also became clear that over 60% chose clinics based only on 'price or location.'
▼ Survey Overview
Survey Theme: Realities of Regret and Failure for Medical Hair Removal Experienced Individuals
Survey Method: Combination of questionnaire voting via the official Instagram account 'homenote' (approx. 180,000 followers) and internet survey
Target Audience: Women aged 20-59 nationwide
Valid Responses: 217 people
Survey Period: April 24-28, 2026
▼ Survey Summary
- 83% of people regretted medical hair removal.
Only 17% responded that they had no regrets, revealing that the majority felt dissatisfied through contracting and attending treatments.
- The No. 1 reason for regret was 'difficulty booking appointments' (37%), surpassing costs and effects.
The second was 'effects below expectations,' and the third was 'costs higher than expected,' with difficulty booking becoming the top reason for regret.
- 32% of people had already attended 10 or more sessions, and 63% had attended 7 or more sessions.
As this includes people who are still undergoing treatment, the final number of sessions could be even higher.
- Approximately 60% chose clinics based on 'price or location,' with only 9% prioritizing equipment.
'Low price' (41%) and 'proximity to home/work' (22%) were the main deciding factors, highlighting a low interest in equipment directly linked to efficacy.
- The No. 1 cause of regret (self-reported) was 'lack of knowledge/research' at 40%.
Including responses where people admitted choosing based solely on price and accessibility, approximately 70% recognized their insufficient information gathering.
- 80% confirmed 'price' during counseling, while only 28% confirmed 'type of equipment,' and 34% confirmed 'suitability for skin type.'
Confirming price but proceeding with the contract without gathering other judgment criteria is likely contributing to regret.
▼ Detailed Survey Results
'Difficulty booking appointments' is No. 1 – More people felt dissatisfied with this than costs and effects.
When asked if they had regretted medical hair removal (multiple answers allowed), only 17% responded no. It was found that the remaining 83% experienced some form of regret or failure.
Looking at the breakdown of regrets, 'costs higher than expected' (56 votes) and 'effects below expectations' (60 votes) were common, but 'difficulty booking appointments' gathered the most votes (73 votes), about 37%.
About 6% also cited clinic bankruptcy or downsizing as a reason for regret, indicating that a certain number of people are dissatisfied not only with the quality of treatment but also with the continuation of their visits.
One in three people had 10 or more sessions – Medical hair removal 'doesn't end' more than expected.
The background to 'difficulty booking appointments' being the No. 1 regret is thought to be influenced by the fact that it takes more sessions than expected to be satisfied with medical hair removal.
The following shows 'how many times they have attended hair removal (including ongoing sessions for those currently undergoing treatment),' with about one in three people (32%) having attended 10 or more sessions.
About 60% of people have attended 7 or more sessions, and considering that this includes people who are still undergoing treatment, the percentage of people who attend 10 or more sessions is expected to rise further.
Although medical hair removal is generally said to be 'satisfied in 6-8 sessions,' the reality shows a tendency for the majority of cases to exceed the expected number of sessions.
Since medical hair removal requires choosing a clinic with long-term visits in mind, it is natural that regret arises if it is difficult to book appointments and the number of sessions exceeds expectations.
Over 60% regretted choosing based on 'price or location' – 'Unexpected costs' brought about by lack of knowledge.
When asked what led them to choose a clinic, 'low price' (41%) and 'proximity to home/work' (22%) accounted for most answers.
Only 9% of people mentioned 'type of hair removal equipment used,' which has recently gained attention.
In the regret breakdown survey, 'costs higher than expected' ranked second (60 votes). People chose based on price, yet regretted the cost – this contradiction suggests the presence of 'unexpected costs' brought about by a lack of knowledge.
Using equipment unsuitable for hair or skin type, leading to an increased number of sessions, difficulty booking appointments, resulting in longer intervals between visits and prolonged treatment, or strong pain requiring additional anesthetic options – these expenses are...
Custom Life Medical, through its operating company Custom Life Inc.'s official 'homenote' Instagram account (with approximately 180,000 followers), conducted a survey targeting followers, combined with an internet survey, to investigate 'Realities of Regret and Failure in Medical Hair Removal.'
The results showed that 83% of respondents had some form of regret. While 'lack of knowledge and research' was cited as the number one cause of regret (self-reported), it also became clear that over 60% chose clinics based only on 'price or location.'
▼ Survey Overview
Survey Theme: Realities of Regret and Failure for Medical Hair Removal Experienced Individuals
Survey Method: Combination of questionnaire voting via the official Instagram account 'homenote' (approx. 180,000 followers) and internet survey
Target Audience: Women aged 20-59 nationwide
Valid Responses: 217 people
Survey Period: April 24-28, 2026
▼ Survey Summary
- 83% of people regretted medical hair removal.
Only 17% responded that they had no regrets, revealing that the majority felt dissatisfied through contracting and attending treatments.
- The No. 1 reason for regret was 'difficulty booking appointments' (37%), surpassing costs and effects.
The second was 'effects below expectations,' and the third was 'costs higher than expected,' with difficulty booking becoming the top reason for regret.
- 32% of people had already attended 10 or more sessions, and 63% had attended 7 or more sessions.
As this includes people who are still undergoing treatment, the final number of sessions could be even higher.
- Approximately 60% chose clinics based on 'price or location,' with only 9% prioritizing equipment.
'Low price' (41%) and 'proximity to home/work' (22%) were the main deciding factors, highlighting a low interest in equipment directly linked to efficacy.
- The No. 1 cause of regret (self-reported) was 'lack of knowledge/research' at 40%.
Including responses where people admitted choosing based solely on price and accessibility, approximately 70% recognized their insufficient information gathering.
- 80% confirmed 'price' during counseling, while only 28% confirmed 'type of equipment,' and 34% confirmed 'suitability for skin type.'
Confirming price but proceeding with the contract without gathering other judgment criteria is likely contributing to regret.
▼ Detailed Survey Results
'Difficulty booking appointments' is No. 1 – More people felt dissatisfied with this than costs and effects.
When asked if they had regretted medical hair removal (multiple answers allowed), only 17% responded no. It was found that the remaining 83% experienced some form of regret or failure.
Looking at the breakdown of regrets, 'costs higher than expected' (56 votes) and 'effects below expectations' (60 votes) were common, but 'difficulty booking appointments' gathered the most votes (73 votes), about 37%.
About 6% also cited clinic bankruptcy or downsizing as a reason for regret, indicating that a certain number of people are dissatisfied not only with the quality of treatment but also with the continuation of their visits.
One in three people had 10 or more sessions – Medical hair removal 'doesn't end' more than expected.
The background to 'difficulty booking appointments' being the No. 1 regret is thought to be influenced by the fact that it takes more sessions than expected to be satisfied with medical hair removal.
The following shows 'how many times they have attended hair removal (including ongoing sessions for those currently undergoing treatment),' with about one in three people (32%) having attended 10 or more sessions.
About 60% of people have attended 7 or more sessions, and considering that this includes people who are still undergoing treatment, the percentage of people who attend 10 or more sessions is expected to rise further.
Although medical hair removal is generally said to be 'satisfied in 6-8 sessions,' the reality shows a tendency for the majority of cases to exceed the expected number of sessions.
Since medical hair removal requires choosing a clinic with long-term visits in mind, it is natural that regret arises if it is difficult to book appointments and the number of sessions exceeds expectations.
Over 60% regretted choosing based on 'price or location' – 'Unexpected costs' brought about by lack of knowledge.
When asked what led them to choose a clinic, 'low price' (41%) and 'proximity to home/work' (22%) accounted for most answers.
Only 9% of people mentioned 'type of hair removal equipment used,' which has recently gained attention.
In the regret breakdown survey, 'costs higher than expected' ranked second (60 votes). People chose based on price, yet regretted the cost – this contradiction suggests the presence of 'unexpected costs' brought about by a lack of knowledge.
Using equipment unsuitable for hair or skin type, leading to an increased number of sessions, difficulty booking appointments, resulting in longer intervals between visits and prolonged treatment, or strong pain requiring additional anesthetic options – these expenses are...